Meet the excitable Sunderland canine hoping to win big at Crufts this week

This Sunderland dog is hoping to impress on the green carpet as she takes on the bright lights of Crufts later this week.
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The three-year-old Bearded Collie from Hartington Street in Roker is set to make her mark up against some of the best in the business at the world’s most prestigious dog show which takes place from Monday, March 5 to Sunday ,March 8.

Nora, which goes by the official title of Miss Batty, will be compete in obedience as part of the Northern Team, going up against other canines from regions across the country.

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Affectionately known as ‘Naughty Nora’ she has been training hard for her big moment, taking part in agility and obedience competitions since May 2019.

Nora will show off her skills in obedience.Nora will show off her skills in obedience.
Nora will show off her skills in obedience.

At the end of last year her owner Donna Surtees was over the moon Nora made it through the tryouts for Crufts and be selected as one of eight dogs to represent the region.

On Friday, March 6, she will show off her skills by completing a series of exercises in an all-day event, following commands including heel, recall and scent work.

“Nora is excited, she’s always excited. She is known for her happy outlook and is always smiling,” said proud owner Donna.

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Donna, 47, is almost as excited as Nora about their upcoming adventure.

The pair have been training since Nora was a puppy.The pair have been training since Nora was a puppy.
The pair have been training since Nora was a puppy.

“Crufts is the ultimate goal. Everybody talks about getting on the green carpet, it’s a big event on the dog calendar,” she said.

“I was really chuffed because we’ve only done one season of competing so it’s quite new to us as a sport.”

But Donna, who has been training Nora since she was a puppy, admitted that the nerves are starting to creep in as the big day approaches.

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“The closer it gets I’m getting really excited, but it’s nerve-wracking at the same time - it’s a whole different atmosphere at Crufts,” she said.

Donna Surtees and Nora the Bearded Collie are headed to Crufts.Donna Surtees and Nora the Bearded Collie are headed to Crufts.
Donna Surtees and Nora the Bearded Collie are headed to Crufts.

“We just want to go and enjoy ourselves and show her off. It’s a team event so of course we want to do well for the team.

“She is a good girl and we have a great dog trainer, but at the end of the day she's a dog and anything can happen.”

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